New Year's Resolutions NOT To Make...

It’s that time again. Another year is over and a new one is just begun. Millions of people around the world are making empty promises to themselves about the things in their lives that they want to change, how to better themselves and in turn, make their existences here on Earth a little fuller, a little kinder, a little thinner. Well, I don’t know, if you ask me, its all a bunch of crap. Listen, I’m not usually this cynical, I tend to be the one amongst the group that looks to the future with bright eyes and thoughts of change on the horizon. But I just feel like, every year, I make the same damn resolutions yet I never follow through: And something tells me I’m not alone in this. So therefore, I’ve decided to touch upon some of the ridiculous and most-likely-not-to-happen New Year’s resolutions that I think most of us should just stay away from.
First of all, and this is a big one for me, stop saying that you’re going to quit smoking! Seriously. While I encourage the ambition to do so, and have been struggling to do so myself, its just not gonna happen. When you think about it, if you really wanted to quit, you would. It wouldn’t have to be a holiday, you shouldn’t have to set a future date of, “On this day, I’ll have my last cigarette.” Truth of the matter is, is that yeah, I do want to quit. But unfortunately, at this point in my life, the addiction has a greater hold on me than my desire to be smoke free and healthy does, and being that smoking is, for many, a common stress relief, this is positively, absolutely, 100 percent the worst time of year to try and kick the habit. Come on, who are we kidding? Christmas, New Year’s, all the hustle and bustle and preparation for family gatherings, the worry over falling financially short while trying to buy gifts for your loved ones; it’s a smokers dream! I can’t even get two feet into any mall this time of year before I’m looking for the nearest exit to go outside for a quick fix! So, keep it real. Admit to yourself that you either truly want to quit or you don’t. If it turns out that you do, you will. Its just that simple.
Another popular New Year’s resolution: Losing weight. This one is a huge pet peeve of mine. As someone who works out regularly, I just don’t have the patience for people who complain all the time that they feel fat, shovel a shitload of Christmas cookies down their trap, and then do nothing about it! “After the New Year, I’m joining the gym and losing 20 pounds.” The way I see it, there’s no time like the present. I respect and admire people who make a conscious effort to stay in shape. But putting it off will get you nowhere. I know you think that setting a goal for yourself will do the trick, but it won’t, because as soon as New Year’s comes, you’ll hit the gym for the first few weeks at best only to fall right back into the same slump you were in the previous year. If you want to get healthy, go join a gym today (I realize this is a bit contradictory, being that this issue hits stands on New Year’s, but remember, I’m writing this a week beforehand, so technically, my foot is out of my mouth).
“I’m going to be a nicer person.” Really? Well thanks! But fuck you for being a complete asshole for your entire life before this. You should be nice, all the time, and it shouldn’t take the dawn of a new year for you to do so. Karma is a bitch. Period.
Racking up the bills, are we? Well shit, you know how much money you make and what you can afford to spend. So if you’re living about your means, that’s your fault. People have just become way too greedy, if you ask me, and trust me, I used to be one of them. I like nice things, sure. I’m a girl, shopping is what I do best! But lately, being that this is my first year out of my parents’ house and on my own, I haven’t really had the extra cash flow to buy all the things I’d like to. And you know what? I’m no less happy now, than I was when I could afford certain luxuries. It was hard at first, but you get used to it. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself, that I firmly believe. But if it comes down to paying your PSE&G bill or buying that new pair of shoes, stop and think. Credit cards do not equal free money and unfortunately, many of us had to learn that the hard way. Stick to the necessities and learn how to save a bit and you’ll find the quality of life you lead is just the same in last season’s shoes.
To sum things up, I’m all about the New Year. I look forward to a new beginning and the chance to make positive change in my life. It’s just my personal experience that tells me if you relate your goals to a holiday beginning, they usually don’t come to fruition. So promise yourself you’ll lose that weight, go a head and quit smoking and open up a savings account. Just do it now and stick with it. Have a happy and healthy New Year and good luck!

Amy Regan @ The Living Room, NYC 12/13/2008

Check out this soulful songstress at NYC's the Living Room on Dec. 13!

Montclair, NJ's Indie Craft Market

Having trouble finding the perfect gifts for your off-the-wall friends and family this holiday season? Well, look no more! This Sunday, Dec. 7, the first ever Indie Craft Market is being held at the Parlor Hair Studio in Montclair, NJ, featuring local, independent designers selling revamped jewelry, clothes, handbags, housewares, photography and more!

The event, the brainchild of featured designer, Michelle Iervolino, founder and creator of Red Delicious Things, is one that is sure to mark the dawning of a new day in the Northern NJ region, for she, along with all of her crafty friends, are going to bring local consumers their fabulous one-of-a-kind designs for all to enjoy. There’s surely something for everyone, from Michelle’s true-to-the-core DIY creations to other participating designers’ inspirational work. In perfect timing for the approaching, dare I say, Christmas holiday, this Indie Craft Market is the place to be to get all of your funky, unique and sure-to-please gifts-it’s a one-stop shopping bonanza and hopefully an event that will only continue and grow with time! Check out a list of the designers that will be there for your shopping pleasure:



As mentioned above, Michelle Iervolino’s Red Delicious Things brings you a vast array of vintage, comic book inspired jewelry, clothes, handbags and shoes, all hand crafted and created using things found while Michelle’s out and about, gallivanting through town. Her creations are developed out of ripped pages from her favorite comic books, local yellow pages, foreign newspapers and pin-up magazines. A true artist at heart, Michelle takes anything old and makes it new by adding her signature touch and sparkle of creation so be sure to check out her fare at reddeliciousthings.etsy.com and don’t forget to stop by and see her this Sunday!


Kristi Ellis’ Retro Rocket Girl line, boasting the motto “Reuse, Recycle, Reinvent,” is for the old soul in every girl. Inspired by her grandmother’s impeccable taste, and playing dress-up in her closet as a young girl, Kristi’s creations are a vintage gold mine, and perfectly fitting for those who just want to stand out! With an ample background in fashion and merchandising, Kristi knows her stuff. Once realizing the full potential of her dreams she created and is now the proud crafter of Retro Rocket Girl. Check out her designs at retrorocketgirl.etsy.com.




Got a friend with a bun in the oven? I dread baby showers, only because I’m sick and tired of going to your local franchise and walking out with a 100 percent guarantee that you’re not going to be the only one giving whatever gift you bought for the mom-to-be. Well ladies, our prayers have been answered. Daniela Fulam’s Little Punk People provides us with the most badass baby gear we could ask for. With onesies adorned with the oh-so-popular skull and crossbones and other punk-inspired designs, to awesomely created child-friendly paintings (ones that a funky mom and dad will enjoy too), Little Punk People allows gift-givers to finally have identity and style, and throws all that run-of-the-mill bullshit right out the window. Check out Daniela’s designs at littlepunkpeople.etsy.com.
Michima, a fabulously creative line of felted letters, cutesy little animals and such, as well as shoulder bags and more, is yet another great provider of all things child-friendly. With founder Anna’s interesting take on educational children’s toys, as well as fashionably fun messenger bags and more, Michima is a great source for gift-givers galore: Stocking stuffers, anyone? Check out these awesome goods at michima.etsy.com.


Growing up with both of her parents being accomplished artists, Sharon Fox Rogers has always been inspired to be creative. Once realizing that her true passion for design involved making jewelry, she launched her business, SFR Creations, and has been manufacturing a wide variety of modern, fashion inspired, and natural necklaces, earrings and bracelets. With three different categories of product, Sharon has something for everyone, from the up-with-times, modern fashionista to the diva extraordinaire to the earthly goddess who loves things made of natural elements. Check out her designs at jewelrybysfrcreations.com.
Coasters, stockings, wreaths, sunglass cases, baby toys, banners, magnets: The list goes on and on. Claire Baker’s Copabananas has it all. With unique and crafty, textile-inspired knick-knacks and more, everyone is sure to find something here for that special someone, and while many of her designs could be interpreted as holiday-themed (i.e., the hanging stockings and wreaths), they’re just so damn cute that I’d leave them out all year round! Located at 547 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, NJ, you can stop by and visit anytime. The store is chock full of one-of-a-kind children’s toys, party supplies, cards, gift-wrap and more! Check out Claire’s masterful and fun goodies at copabananas.etsy.com.
We all know that being conscious of our environment and taking care of Mother Earth is so unbelievable important that many of us have been “going green” to help save our natural surroundings and stop contributing to the pollution of our air, water, etc. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the environmentalist in your life, check out the designs by BomA, an environmentally-friendly apparel line, the focus of which is to merge style and responsibility through organic clothing creations. Check it out at bomawear.com.
Last, but certainly not least, is Erin Boyer Wells’ photography. Like any artist, her inspiration comes from life and all the things in hers that she enjoys. Stop by and see her work which features so many of her loves including classic cars, beaches, dogs, tattoos, music and more! With no website available, you’ll have to drag your thrifty self down to the craft market and check out her amazing work in person!

Ditch the malls! If you’re looking to be inspired and find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift this holiday season, head on over the first ever Indie Craft Market at the Parlor Hair Studio at 223 Glenridge Ave. in Montclair, NJ, this Sunday, Dec. 7. Whether you’re shopping for someone else, or just looking for yourself, all of these wonderful and talented designers are sure to have you feeling bright and cheery and going home with something fabulous!

Change: Unexpected yet oh-so-wonderful! I’m not going to write a lengthy article to describe my fabulous new finds, instead this week I’m going to let the pictures do the talking. But I will say this: There is absolutely no other reasonable way for me to ever shop for home decorating goods again, other than riding around on lazy Saturday and Sunday afternoons and rummaging through other peoples’ garbage. Yup, that’s right I said it: I garbage pick and I’m proud of it!

Garage sales, estate sales, Craigslist, oh my! This is where its at, people! Major department stores? No way! Small local designers? Sure, you may get a one-of-a-kind piece, but you also may spend an arm and a leg. But yard sales and the Internet, that’s where the real gems can be found. I just scored a brand new- when I say new I mean new in the sense that I’ve just recently acquired it-living room set for under $200. Try even getting a couch cushion for that much at your nearest furniture outlet-good luck!




If you’re not into antiques, then this in no way applies to you, but if you are, just sit back, relax and enjoy, for I think I have the most badass vintage living room set around. But wait! That’s not all! Head on over to the dining room and you’ll see the gorgeous new credenza and buffet that I stumbled upon in a driveway on my way home from the local pancake hot-spot in town; after that, peek into the bedroom and you’ll notice that that shitty bed I used to sleep on is long-gone and my great grandmother’s antique frame has taken its place.

The couch, a beautiful golden, velvety wonderland, was literally covered in plastic when I found it (actually, to be honest and give credit where credit is due, my neighbor is the lucky one happened to uncover this fabulous piece of furniture, I just bought it!). It’s in perfect condition and provides a cozy and history-filled place to park your bum and relax. The intricately designed chairs, also from the same plastic-enthusiast, are the most fitting of accent pieces to help fill out the room , and positioned on either side of the awesome antique radio box I scooped up on another garage sale outing, the entire set-up provides a great focal point to tie the room together. Also, as you can see, my mother went out on a limb and grabbed the lovely table that sits in the middle of it all and makes the room feel complete.


On a lucky ride home from a Sunday afternoon breakfast with my girlfriends, we drove past a house, the owners of which, were selling the finishing touches to my dining room. That day, I took home a credenza and buffet table for 100 bucks – you can’t beat that! And finally, I hated the bed I was sleeping on when I first opened the doors of my home to all of you. It was from IKEA-enough said. I always had my grandmother’s beautiful antique frame, but chose to leave it at home when I moved out. Well, it made its way back into my life, and now sits gracefully in my bedroom and I’ve never slept better.



There’s just no getting around it. When this column first began to appear in the pages of the AQ and I did a lovely little series called “Design On A Dime” there was no character to any of my furniture, no personality. It said nothing about me. But now, well now I have furniture that says I’m crafty, an old soul, eclectic and funky. Now I have furniture that, when you walk into the room, actually grabs your attention and begs for conversation. Though the complete vision is still a work-in-progress, just take a look at the most kick ass furniture from Grandma that you’ll ever see!

Gaslight Anthem, Thrice, Alkaline Trio, Rise Against/October 13, 2008/Roseland Ballroom

NEW YORK, NY-A quick ride on the bus, a short walk, some scurrying in the door and there I was at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC-I think quite possibly my favorite venue, by the way-to see what was slated as one of the greatest line-ups in a while. I showed up what I would like to say is fashionably late (although I actually was trying to be on time, but don’t tell anyone) so I missed the Gaslight Anthem and once I got inside Thrice had already begun their set; the crowd was squished all the way up front, there was no getting in there. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many people there already because most of the time the place tends to stay somewhat empty until it gets closer to the time of the headliner’s performance.
As much as I love Thrice, like really, really love Thrice, I was a little disappointed with their set. They played really well and they put on a great show, but I think they could have had a better set list. Granted, when you only have 40-or-so minutes on stage, its hard to give every fan what they want, and the majority of the crowd seemed more-than-pleased with what they delivered, but for me, someone who’s been a fan since day one, I was hoping for more of an eclectic mixture of Thrice tunes. They pretty much stuck to the new stuff off their latest, The Alchemy Index, with a few oldies here and there, but honestly, with “Deadbolt” being a no-show, the night just didn’t feel complete. Either way, still a kick ass performance from the band and well-worth the trip.
Alkaline Trio was next and I’m sorry, but I’m not really a major fan and so although they also played really well and sounded tight, I just wasn’t able to get into them either. Regardless, as for Thrice, the crowd ate it up, dancing, crowd surfing, singing along; they definitely hit the mark and gave the people what they wanted. I think the only thing that doesn’t sit so well with me is that they’re maybe a little on the poppy side for my taste, but hey, to each his own, right? Good stuff from the Chicago troupe.
Allow me, please, to digress a bit here, just for a minute. In-between sets while hanging at the bar or using the ladies room, I had a bit of an epiphany at Roseland this very evening: It hasn’t been a while since I’ve been to a show, so that can’t be the reason, but somehow, suddenly and seemingly overnight, I became the “old girl” at the show. While this has nothing to do with the music, it really contributed to the overall quality of the evening because, as I was standing at stage left, I thought to myself, “Why is it that I’m off to the sides tonight? Why am I not squished in the middle of the crowd, sweating, yelling at the top of my lungs and jumping around like a flailing idiot?” Well, I don’t want to say I was scared, but rather just entirely uninterested in coming home bruised and banged up and breathing like I just ran a marathon when in fact, all I did was attend a good show in the city. This is all new to me. It felt weird, that’s all.
Back to the show-after I realized that I was old at a mere 24 years of age, I stayed towards the back with the rest of the geezers for Rise Against: Absolutely, 100 percent justifiable that this band headlined. Wow, were they good! In between songs, some may think they were a bit too politically charged, but at a time like this when our country is on the brink of history-in-the-making and musicians have such a profound influence on the generation whose vote is most needed, I think it was entirely appropriate and well-presented. The crowd, for the most part, seemed to agree with fists raised in the air in unison as lead singer Tim showered us all with his thoughts on the subject. Besides talking about politics, though, it seems this group actually plays some music, too! All eyes were on them as they serenaded the crowd with a great mix of songs, old and new, and, granted my wish as they ended the show with two of my personal faves, “Swing Life Away” and “Prayer Of The Refugee.”
All in all a good time was had, plenty of beers were drunk and I walked away with a buzz and a new outlook on life-I’d say the night was a total success!

Happy Fall Y'All!

Fall is officially here. There’s a brisk chill in the air, I have my first cold, the leaves have all begun to fall, porches are delightfully decorated with corn stalks and pumpkins in celebration of the season and, of course, the approaching holiday, Halloween. I feel like once Halloween comes and goes, its all down-hill after that. Not in a bad way, but what I mean is, the holidays just start coming, one after the next until, before you know it, you’re broke, tired, probably fat from all the yummy food that you ate and packing away your winter clothes preparing for another summer. It all just happens so quickly and costs so much money!

With the economy being in such a slump this holiday season (and oh boy, I can’t believe I’m saying those words…) and everyone pinching their pennies, the thought of shopping for gifts for loved ones this year and finding ways to entertain without burning a hole in your pocket are pretty scary. Well, thankfully, with a little bit of thought and craftiness, there are plenty of alternative options to keep things going this year and still be able to afford your rent!
If you think about it, what can you really buy someone that they can’t buy for themselves? If it’s something they really need, don’t you think they’d just go out and get it? So, instead of picking up that sweater or bottle of perfume or new tool kit or pair of shoes, how about putting together a basket of thoughtful trinkets and goodies that you made yourself instead of some mass produced, store bought generic gift? I think that will have a much larger impact and personal appeal and, best of all, keep your money where it belongs-in your pocket!

A great idea for anyone, man or woman, son or daughter, brother, sister-you get the idea-is to go to your local arts and crafts store and pick up some baskets to fill with lots of homemade items. What sort of items, you ask? The possibilities are endless, but some of my favorite ideas are as follows: Handcrafted soaps, lotions and candles are incredibly easy to make and smell so good, they’re perfectly fitting for a holiday gift basket. Also, you may want to think about including some homemade treats like cookies, spices, oils, fudge, jam, etc. Anything that you’re exceptionally talented in baking or cooking will do and let’s face it, who doesn’t love homemade, yummy treats? I know I do! However, if you’re really not a great cook, that’s okay too. I recently attended the Fall Fine Art And Craft Fair in Brookdale Park that I previewed a few weeks ago and I picked up some great items that would be perfect for a gift basket like this and aren’t too pricey. There was a great vendor selling wonderfully delicious homemade dips and basically, what you do is buy the packet of flavored powder and mix with either cream cheese or sour cream and viola, you’ve instantly made a great bagel spread or chip dip. A great way to present this gift is to put it in a decorated holiday gift bag and include the mix, the cream cheese or sour cream and the chips, pretzels or bagels to go with it! Didn’t you ever hear that saying that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? Well, I happen to think that’s true of all genders so cook away, holiday gift-givers!

But what if you’re okay on gift-giving? Maybe instead you’re looking for something for you and your friends to do on a beautifully crisp fall weekend that won’t cost you a bundle? Please, this is so simple. Those cute porches up and down the street with pumpkins and corn stalks and such as decorations? That could be your home, too, you know! Why not have the girls over for a pumpkin carving party? It may sound juvenile, but it serves as a great way to just gather around the table and do something while you sip on something cozy and chat the day away. Everyone can bring their own pumpkin and carving tools, maybe a dish each, as well, and you provide the drinks and the place to meet and there you have it, an instant social success!
There’s really so much that you can do to pass the time during this time of year. I don’t know about most of you, but I just love to be outside, see the changing leaves, breathe in the fresh air, and I absolutely love the smell of leaves burning as you pass by your neighbors’ houses. I’ll do anything, really, just to be outside and enjoy it! I actually don’t mind working in the yard, raking the leaves, pulling the weeds, it’s entirely different experience when the weather is like this-bearable; summer yard work? No thanks.

Its hard for all of us this year, I think. Maybe you’re used to heading out for a little fall getaway each year, but it’s just not possible now with prices on, well, everything, being so high! Don’t fret, because although it may not be ideal, the idea of a “staycation,” at least it’s time off to spend with your loved ones and try something new. Honestly, if you’re really not into any of this, then forget giving gifts, forget getting together to really do something-instead, go down to the liquor store, spend eight or nine bucks on a decent six-pack, light up the chiminea or fire pit and chill out in the back yard on a lazy Saturday afternoon. If that’s not the life, then I don’t know what it is.

Join The Club

For those of you, like me, who were born in the ‘80s, the classic iconic jacket of that time, introduced by Members Only, isn’t even a distant memory, it’s almost entirely unknown. But, for those of you, like me, who seemingly worship anything ‘80s, and fashion in general, Members Only is a well-known trend of the past that will forever be a staple in basic fashion know-how. Well, a thing of the past no more, the company recently re-launched a new line of jackets to kick off a brand new phase of the Members Only trend, still swearing by that familiar tag-line, “When you put it on…something happens.”


I just snagged myself a classic nylon jacket, surely a must-have for the approaching fall weather. Its perfectly light and airy, fitting for a tank-and-jeans look that draws that ‘80s relaxed vibe out and meshes with the modernity of the fall 2008 season. Revamped and re-launched, the company has already been the talk of “Tinsel Town” for quite a while now. Stars like Cameron Diaz, Miley Cyrus, Rumer Willis, Mariah Carey and more have all been spotted sporting the sexy and sleek jacket, either in classic black or shiny gold lambskin, among other colors.

It’s pretty interesting, when researching the early stages of the Members Only phenomenon, to see how much of an impact one single article of clothing can really make. It’s like the platform shoe or the skinny jean, the oversized sunglasses or the enormously large shoulder bag. These are all styles craves of the past that have somehow managed to resurface and make an even bigger statement than they did when they first hit the scene. The only difference is, is that this is something you can only get exclusively through one company, instead of a style that is produced by the masses of designers out there. Designer and Creative Director Kellie Delaney has really stepped up to the plate here and shown us what she’s got. After all, she’s spent over 14 years in the fashion biz, whether it be writing about or designing, she knows her stuff. Delany has spent time as an editor, holding a seat on many well-known publications that cover all things fashion, beauty and celebrity trends, such as US Weekly, Star Magazine, and her own concept, Celebrity Living Weekly. Needless to say, she’s a pro-covering celebs for a living makes fashion first and foremost in the world of and Editor-In-Chief, and so naturally, designing was the next logical field for her to progress into.

She’s been able to effortlessly keep the recognizable aesthetic of the jacket that was originally crafted in 1975 and turn it into something vintage, but with that up-to-date twist-check out the quilted leather Bomber and the Liquid Leggings.
As of right now, Members Only is more female-friendly, but in the fall ’08 season, the men’s line will be available and then all “members” of both sexes can enjoy this terminally hip fashion statement. Simplicity at its best, the new line features an old favorite, the Bomber Jacket, as well as other core pieces such as deep v dresses and the oh-so-popular ‘80s throwback, the legging, or in the case of Members Only, the Liquid Legging.


I know it’s a bit early to think about, but the holiday season is approaching faster than you think, and at affordable prices and easy online availability, a hip and edgy piece from Members Only under the tree just might be the perfect gift for that special someone who lives, breathes and dreams fashion!
Check out the goods at membersonly.com.